Southern California Warm Water

[kerrpet]

For the past four weeks (approximately) we have had water temps holding at around 75 degrees farenheit. Yesterday I got a reading at Scripps pier of 78 degrees farenheit. It seems that most of southern California is experiencing these extreme warm waters.

Last time I remember water this warm was 2004 with temps reaching 76 degrees for approxiamtely four days just off La Jolla shores.

I have not been able to get in the water (as far as diving goes) in the past few weeks and I am wondering if anyone has noticed any odd species that are not regular residents to southern California? There is lots of kelp and plants washing too.

ANy thoughts about these almost "tropical" type conditions?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[drbill]

Well, here on Catalina temperatures are warm, but not as warm as they were last summer when we had surface temps of 78-79 for about three weeks. That "devastated" the giant kelp forests and so far, they are doing OK for summer season out here.

 

[lock_washer]

The water temp was 72 degree last Sunday off Corona Del Mar ("Litte Corona"). I will be beach diving there tomorrow most likely.

Lock Washer

 

[CApenguin88]

i think everywhere water is getting really warm and i dont think its not the best thing sometimes... i was in la paz last week and the water was 84 degrees in 40 ft of water and some of the corals were bleached...this could do alot of damages to the reef i think

 

[MissyP]

I am wondering if anyone has noticed any odd species that are not regular residents to southern California?

There is lots of kelp and plants washing too.

yes... and they're called "tourists"..
Seriously.... I've been doing a lot of local (San Diego area) diving lately and haven't noticed any new species in shallows or in deeper spots (100-135fsw)... There IS a lot of kelp and eel grass washing up though. Very sharp thermocline as well-- goes from mid 70s to mid 50s in an instant.